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Self-Hosting Nginx Proxy Manager: Visual Reverse Proxy

Nginx Proxy Manager adds a web UI to Nginx. Point-and-click SSL certificates, proxy hosts, and access lists — no config files.

nginxreverse-proxysslnetworking

What Is Nginx Proxy Manager?


Nginx Proxy Manager (NPM) is a pre-built Docker image that provides a web UI for managing Nginx reverse proxy configurations.


Features


Proxy Hosts

  • Point domains to backend services
  • WebSocket support
  • Custom locations
  • Access lists
  • Custom Nginx config

    • SSL Certificates

  • Let's Encrypt with one click
  • DNS challenge support
  • Auto-renewal
  • Custom certificates
  • Wildcard certificates

    • Other

  • Redirection hosts
  • 404 hosts
  • Stream (TCP/UDP) proxying
  • Access lists (IP-based)
  • Multiple users
  • Audit log

    • NPM vs Caddy vs Traefik


  • NPM: Best UI, Nginx-based, click-based config
  • Caddy: Simplest config file, automatic HTTPS
  • Traefik: Container discovery, label-based

    • When to Choose NPM


  • You want a web UI for reverse proxy management
  • You're not comfortable editing config files
  • You want Nginx's performance with easy management
  • You need to delegate proxy management to non-technical users

    • Deployment


    1. Deploy NPM on TinyPod

    2. Access the admin UI

    3. Add proxy hosts (domain → backend)

    4. Click to provision SSL certificates


    Resources: 1 CPU, 256 MB RAM.


    Nginx Proxy Manager makes reverse proxy configuration accessible to everyone. If config files intimidate you, NPM is the answer.